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subsist on erratic earnings often derived from seasonal work supplemented by dealing
in scrap or the sale from door to door of artificial flowers or clothes pegs.
An overnight stay is of little consequence but nuisance can soon arise when the
travellers' aim is to work the area for a few days. The usual source of trouble arises
from the absence of suitable means for the disposal of waste water and rubbish, with
unwanted debris left indiscriminately over the landscape. Chemical closets are often
provided but the means of disposal of the contents is a matter for speculation. The
array of clothing spread to dry on bushes and small trees discounts the generalisation
that these people are always dirty. Despite their apparent hardship, the children
appear to thrive. Old people, perhaps, seem to suffer most.
There is no specific means of dealing with these sporadic visits of caravan dwellers.
General powers under the Public Health Act can be used to prevent public health
hazards but afford only a slow and cumbrous method of control. As these people are
usually encamped on land privately or publicly owned the threat of proceedings for
trespass usually persuades them to move along. It is obvious that moving people
off one unauthorised site and leaving them to find another is no solution.
There are no sites for caravans or movable dwellings within the meaning of the
relevant Acts in the Borough of Finchley.
HEATING APPLIANCES
The Consumer Protection Act, 1961, which came into operation on 19th August,
1961, repealed the Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act, 1952, and the Oil Burners
(Standards) Act, 1960. The Heating Applicances (Fireguards) Regulations, 1953,
however, remain in force and require that fireguards be fitted to gas fires, electric
fires and oil heaters. The Oil Heaters Regulations, 1962, made under the Act of
1961, relate to domestic space heaters which burn kerosene (paraffin oil) and, inter
alia, impose requirements concerning their construction, design and performance.
Fifteen visits were made to premises having fires on sale and the stocks were
inspected and found to be satisfactory.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIAL
The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951, requires the registration
of those premises where filling materials are used in the manufacture of bedding, toys,
baby carriages and other articles of upholstery and the licensing of premises where rag
flock is manufactured or stored for distribution. The Regulations of 1961 made under
the Act supersede previous regulations and, inter alia, apply standards of cleanliness
for each kind of filling material to which the Act applies, prescribe a list of analysts
for the purpose of doing tests and the form of records to be kept by occupiers of
premises registered or licensed.
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